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We’re back with one other betting prediction and pick for UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 as we conclude the Early Prelims portion with this bout within the Lightweight Division. China’s Rongzhu will tackle Syndicate MMA’s own Kody Steele in an exciting bout early into the night. Check the UFC odds series for our Rongzhu-Steele prediction and pick.
Rongzhu (25-6) comes into this fight with a 1-3 UFC record since 2021. He most recently dropped his last bout to Chris Padilla via doctor’s stoppage after winning three-straight fights within the Road to the UFC tournament. He’ll look to impress because the betting underdog against a debuting fighter. Rongzhu stands 5-foot-9 with a 71-inch reach.
Kody Steele (7-0) will probably be making his debut following a successful TKO effort in his Dana White’s Contender Series audition. He won the fight and the following contract with an unlikely body shot, making him a promising undefeated prospect listed because the betting favorite for his debut fight. Steele stands 5-foot-9 with a 71-inch reach.
Listed here are the UFC 312 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC 312 Odds: Rongzhu-Kody Steele Odds
Rongzhu: +180
Kody Steele: -218
Over 2.5 rounds: +120
Under 2.5 rounds: -154
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Why Rongzhu Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Chris Padilla – TKO (doctor stoppage, R2)
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 14 KO/TKO, 7 SUB
Rongzhu was on the incorrect side of a TKO loss in his return to the UFC following an elbow to his eye that eventually swelled to shut his eye. He was hot coming in off the Road to the UFC tournament with three-straight victories and he made his bout against Chris Padilla an in depth one for so long as it lasted. He’s a really aggressive striker and doesn’t shrink back from trading blows during chaotic exchanges, so expect him to pressure Steele early as he controls the middle and asserts position.
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Rongzhu may be very expert in all areas of the fight, but his decision-making under the brilliant lights has been questionable at times. He’s also had trouble on the scales, which actually doesn’t make for a great relationship with the UFC and his cardio during more grueling fights. He must have the sting on this fight if he’s in a position to find top position on the bottom, so do not be surprised if he shoots for a takedown and tries to realize ground on control time as well.
Why Kody Steele Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Chasen Blair – TKO (body shot, R2)
- Last 5: 5-0
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
While his opponent can have more submission wins on his record, Kody Steele has been a top-level jiu jitsu competitor long before entering the world of MMA. He’s faced a few of the biggest names in submission grappling and will definitely be looking to use Rongzhu’s defense knowing 4 of his six losses have come by means of submission. Steele could have to take care of a special stylistic look in a striker like Rongzhu, so fully expect him to chase submissions each time he sees a possibility to achieve this.
In making his UFC debut, there is a solid probability we see Kody Steele stand and strike along with his opponent to display some evolution in his fight game. He’s been in a position to depend on pure talent and athleticism in his striking through the regional level, but you’d should imagine it was an enormous a part of his camp heading into this one. Still having that BJJ in his back pocket is what’s going to make Steele all of the more dangerous on this fight.
Final Rongzhu-Kody Steele Prediction & Pick
This can actually be an exciting bout as each fighters have a flair for locating the finish. Rongzhu will definitely have the striking advantage and knowing his form of fighting, we are able to expect him to crowd Steele early and get right in his face with boxing combos. I expect we’ll see Steele test a few of his striking as he looks to evolve as a mixed martial artist with each passing fight.
The nice equalizer here, nevertheless, will probably be the submission grappling from Kody Steele. He’s been on the jiu jitsu scene for quite a while and Rongzhu has been known to fall to submission, greater than some other method in his profession. While Steele will look to check his skills on the feet, the clearest path to victory will probably be catching his opponent off-guard and dealing towards a submission. He also has the cardio to go all three rounds as Rongzhu’s cardio has been a matter at times.
For our final prediction, let’s roll with Kody Steele to get the victory as he finds a submission finish to finish this one early.
Final Rongzhu-Kody Steele Prediction & Pick: Kody Steele (-218)
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